Overview
Mathematics 216: Computer-Oriented Approach to Statistics gives students a working knowledge and understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics and the application of statistics in the sciences, social sciences, and business.
An important feature of MATH 216 is its computer component, which teaches you how to use an industry standard statistical software application to apply the tools of statistics to make practical decisions, prepare reports in the workplace, and effectively complete papers and research projects in other university courses. Because this course encourages you to use computer software to apply the methods of statistics, it is particularly valuable in a society which is increasingly dependent on electronic sources of information such as intranet databases, external databases, the internet, electronic instruments, and point of sales electronic terminals.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- apply the basic principles of statistical analysis using statistical software.
- employ the tools of descriptive statistics to organize, summarize, and present information in a meaningful way.
- predict the likelihood of real-world events, based on rules of probability and common probability distributions.
- estimate and test hypotheses regarding characteristics of both single and multiple populations.
- identify patterns of relationships between qualitative variables.
- employ linear correlation and regression methods to analyze relationships between quantitative variables.
- responsibly use statistical methods by testing the underlying assumptions.
Evaluation
To receive credit for MATH 216, you must submit all six course assignments and complete them to the satisfaction of your tutor. You must also achieve a grade of at least 50 percent on each examination, and a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent).
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 5% |
| Assignment 2 | 5% |
| Assignment 3 | 5% |
| Midterm Exam | 35% |
| Assignment 4 | 5% |
| Assignment 5 | 5% |
| Assignment 6 | 5% |
| Final Exam | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Both the midterm and final exams are administered in the Möbius online platform and are invigilated through ProctorU. Your exams must be requested in advance, and you must pay the ProctorU invigilation fees.
You must use a standard scientific calculator during the exams. Programmable calculators, graphing calculators (e.g., TI-83), computers, or any other mobile electronic devices are not permitted.
Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions can be found in the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Larson, R. (2023). Elementary statistics: Picturing the world (8th ed.). Pearson.